Arts community celebrates Fuller

Earlier this month, more than 50 members of Newton’s arts and culture community gathered at New Art to celebrate Mayor Fuller’s support of the arts and culture during her eight years as mayor.

Fuller was the first mayor to match the annual $15,000 grant from the Mass. Cultural Council, which the Newton Cultural Council awarded to numerous arts and cultural organizations. She also established the Cultural Development department in Newton Parks and Recreation.

Help for the Warren children

It’s been seven weeks since Newton lost former Mayor Setti Warren, who died unexpectedly at age 55.

Now, the community is banding together to help pay for his children’s education.

“Your generosity will help ensure that Setti’s children have the same opportunities he did to further their education and pursue their passions,” Aaron Goldberg, friend and former aide to Warren, wrote in a message announcing that 529 education accounts had been set up to pay college tuition for Warren’s kids, Abigail and John.  

Here’s the link to donate for Abigail. And here’s the link for John.

Ballot questions update

Five ballot questions have received enough signatures to make it to the legislature before being placed on next November’s statewide ballot, WCVB is reporting.

1. Eliminating political party primaries for state elections
2. Limiting the annual rent increase for residential units
3. Allowing same-day voter registration
4. Reducing of state income tax from 5 percent to 4 percent
5. Repealing the state’s legalization of cannabis for recreational use

There were 11 ballot questions filed by the Dec. 3 deadline, and the remaining six have yet to qualify.